Orville Burke

Published January 20, 2014 at 5:41 pm

Orville Alexander Burke, age 88, of Princeton, passed away Thursday, January 16, 2014 at the VA Medical Center in St. Cloud.
Orville was born in Greenbush Township on September 27, 1925, the son of Patrick and Rose (Fradette) Burke. He served his country in the United States Army during WWII. On June 18, 1949 he was united in marriage to Kathleen Smithers at St. Edwards Catholic Church in Princeton. He worked at Cornelius Company in Anoka for many years retiring in 1990.
Orville had a great sense of humor, he liked telling jokes and was always on the lighter side of things. He was very musically inclined. He was a member of the “Triangles” Band playing the guitar, violin and harmonica.
He was a very giving husband and father, always making sure he met the needs of the family. He always loved his wife Kathleen and was very expressive of his love to her. After retirement he became very involved in charitable acts. He volunteered for Catholic Charities peeling potatoes and delivering bread and food around the area. He made a lot a friends being involved and volunteering. He enjoyed sharing his music with people in the community, traveling and playing at local care facilities.
Orville is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen of Princeton; daughter-in-law, Alesa Burke of Elk River; children Patrick (Kathleen) Burke, Theresa (Timothy) Gerth, Maggie (Rod) Reichle, Anthony (Carolyn) Burke, Janet Benson (Rich Morgan) all of Princeton, Eileen (Luther) Philaya of Zimmerman, and Kevin Burke of Princeton; sister Clarice Orsborn of Elk River; 26 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren with two on the way, and one great-great granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Carey, grandson Alex, siblings Eva Broderick, Ellen Olberg, Johnny Burke, Clifford Burke, Phillip Burke, Doris Eckman, Mary Glines, and Benjamin William Burke.
Mass of Christian Burial was Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Christ Our Light Catholic Parish, North Campus, Princeton. Interment immediately following the service in St. Edward?s Catholic Cemetery in Princeton.